Lions minstrel a fun, happy, vociferous show

Published: April 3, 2003 7:00PM

John Lowe

The Daily Jeffersonian

The annual Minstrel Show of the Cambridge Lions Club opened Thursday night with the same exuberant fun that has become its hallmark.

So well known is this event becoming that Thursday's show drew an out-of-state crowd. A bus load of folk from Pittsburgh came to see it. Even the Lions lieutenant governor of Ohio and his wife traveled to Cambridge to catch the shenanigans and hear the singing.

Although the jokes, skits and songs may change from year to year, one thing remains the same the high quality of the show.

This year, again, the Cambridge Lions did not disappoint, even though one singer may have been struggling with the aftermath of laryngitis.

The nice thing, though, about the Minstrel Show is that the acts flow so quickly that even a flub or sour note is scarcely noticed in the overall momentum.

The show, titled this year as "This Is Our Country," opened its solo performances strongly with a number from veteran local performer, Jack Marlin. Marlin has a powerful voice and a well-practiced stage presence.

Here's what's on tap for the evening: In the first half comes "Country Club," by the chorus; "It's a Little Too Late," Marlin; "I Need You," Bev Lyons; Daddy's Hands, The Dream Girls (Sheryle Eynon, Amy Hudson and Pam Thompson); "Willow Weep for Me," Bunk Johnson; "I Hope You Dance," by the chorus; "A Good Way to Get on My Bad Side," Ron Guthrie and Johnson; "I Fall to Pieces," Jo Weidman; "His Eye Is on the Sparrow" and a reading, "Can't Believe You Made It."

A chorus rendition of "Lifestyles of the Not So Rich and Famous" closed the first half of the performance.

The second half resumes with the chorus singing, "Hillbilly Rock."

The soloists begin with Bill Cowgill who sings "Desperado." Following it are "Let Me Tell You about Love," The Bogarts; "I Don't Even Know Your Name," Dave Conrath; "Whose Bed Have Your Boots Been Under?" "From this Moment," by the chorus; "Just Let Me Be in Love," Ray Chorey; "Crazy," Cheri Harding, and "If Tomorrow Never Comes," Dave Wilson.

This year's show also was special because it is the 30th since it was founded by Bob Jonard.

Inducted into this year's hall of fame were Sharon Guthrie, Bunk Johnson and Dale Rogers.